A Thanksgiving to Remember - Nanette M. Holloway

A Thanksgiving to remember includes the last year of my dad’s life.

The following is an excerpt from my memoir Before You Depart: God’s Touch Before Eternity.

My prayers continued with vigilance.

I longed to grasp all God might give in this chaotic storm of illness. New songs permeated my spirit to and from the nursing home.

Fall arrived with cooler temperatures, changing leaves and an opportunity to attend a ladies’ retreat in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Several friends and I had attended faithfully the last fifteen years.

A three-day weekend away with friends on a spiritual retreat sounded great. Dare I leave Dad? What if he died while I was gone? Would worry and obsession over Dad ruin my trip?

Wondering if I should chance leaving, I called Laurie. “Do you think I should leave my dad for three days?”

Laurie said, “I’ll be praying for your decision. If you go, I’ll pray that you get exactly what you need.”

I made the decision to attend the retreat. I would leave the number of Brook Hill Ranch with my husband and the nursing home. They could call me if Dad’s condition declined. Worst case scenario, I would have to turn around and head home.

The retreat was held at a rustic children’s church camp. We slept in the children’s cabins on bunk beds. With the focus on Jesus, none of us minded the rustic amenities. They fed us great hearty meals. I felt nurtured in body, rested in mind and revitalized spiritually.

Putting Christ back into Christmas

The subject to be studied was always a surprise. This year’s theme turned out to be putting Christ back in Christmas and the spiritual reason we celebrate Thanksgiving.

The minister made the story come to life. She relied heavily on visual stimulation, drawing us into the teaching as if we were witnesses. Mary rode on a donkey. She and Joseph made their journey down the hill. At their journey’s end was a living nativity in the town of Bethlehem. The story of the first Christmas unfolded before us. The night was cold, adding to the aesthetics. The angst Mary must have felt as she brought Jesus our Savior into the world in the humble stable surroundings.

At the conclusion of the weekend, we were given the challenge to make Jesus’ birth real and fresh in our families. And the minister charged us with keeping the story alive for the next generation.

We received several ideas and references on how to make the holidays come to life. Peter Marshall’s account of the Pilgrims in “The Light and the Glory” was the recommendation for a historical reference. Perfect for homeschool in the coming weeks.

On My Return Home

once again,my fears were allayed once again. God graciously took care of Dad during my absence.

Delving into the quest to make the holidays special was fueled by renewed faith and purpose. Worries over Dad’s condition were overshadowed by something greater. My spirit was energized by joy and refreshed with reminders of the love of God who took on flesh to be Emanuel, God with us. The baby Jesus who would take away the sins of the world.

Fueling my excitement for the mission ahead, I already owned “The Light and the Glory.” But we had never read it. All I needed was one more book. Emily Barnes had written a book about Christmas memories, but it was nowhere to be found in the library system. Our current finances prohibited the purchase of the book.

One day at a homeschool ice skating outing in Tulsa, I happened to sit by Jessica. We were acquainted but had never talked. Conversing about the seminar and the book, I said, “I’ve looked all over for an Emily Barnes book. I can’t find it anywhere.”

Jessica said, “I have that book in my car. You can have it. I’ll run out and get it.”

In awe, I thanked her. Amazed by God’s touch in my circumstances increased my faith. He provided once again, attending to each detail. God’s providential hand filled my needs as the holidays approached.

Projects for Thanksgiving and reading The Light and the Glory

filled our homeschool day. The boys decorated napkin rings made out of paper towel rolls. My creative outlet satiated through making place settings for each of us with a scripture to be read for the meal blessing.

Andy didn’t have to work on Thanksgiving that year, which was unusual. That morning he and the boys headed outside for a deer hunt. During their absence I quickly set the table and finished preparing the meal.

For the first time in eighteen years, I used my wedding dishes. They had been tucked away after our first Thanksgiving meal attempt as a married couple. That day was dashed by an aunt who refused my invitation because my house was too small to accommodate her personal liking. I allowed the rejection to wound me for future celebrations. Not this year. Forgiveness was on the menu for her and anyone else making an attempt to condemn or judge.

The Best Thanksgiving Ever

Andy and the boys returned from their hunt. No deer, but the table was set to perfection. Candles included. Each plate held five kernels of corn to remember the Pilgrims’ first harsh winter of rationing and near starvation. The meal ended in a Thanksgiving communion with sparkling grape juice. The best Thanksgiving ever.

We took leftovers to Dad and spoke a prayer over him. He liked the sweets best. I included slices of mincemeat and pumpkin pie.

I hope your Thanksgiving is a holiday to remember. May God bless you richly.